Tools, guidance for children with learning difficulties

Parents, educators and caregivers were given the opportunity on Saturday to gain practical tools and professional guidance to better support children with learning difficulties during the Your Difference is Your Superpower workshop hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Pride of Barbados at the Derrick Smith School and Vocational Centre.

The initiative brought together child development professionals, teachers and families for a series of sessions aimed at helping participants identify learning challenges in children and connect with the resources available to assist them.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, secretary of the Kiwanis Club and Youth Services Committee lead, Requell Griffith, said the workshop was developed in response to growing concerns from parents seeking guidance for children experiencing difficulties within the school system.

She explained that the programme was not only geared towards children who may be struggling academically, but also those who are advanced yet still encounter challenges in traditional learning environments.

Griffith said organisers wanted participants to leave with both information and clear pathways to support services.

“We wanted to make sure that in addition to having the information, that persons also have the resources and know where they can go once they’ve gotten the information to assist them and assist their children on their educational journey,” she said.

The workshop was organised in partnership with the Derrick Smith School and Vocational Centre and The University of the West Indies through its Educational and Psychological Assessment Unit. Facilitators from the university conducted workshops designed to provide practical strategies, tips and information on agencies that can support children with learning difficulties.

Describing the initiative as her “baby”, Griffith said the idea first emerged last year after repeated conversations with parents who were uncertain about where to turn for help.

“It came up with just conversations with parents and hearing the challenges that some parents experience with their children having learning difficulties and not knowing where to go, who to talk to, what information is out there,” she said.

She added that the overall aim of the initiative was to provide quality information and connect families with organisations and institutions that can help children succeed both academically and socially.